79 In-spire
LS
The Plot: Based on the novel,
My Posse Don't Do Homework,
Dangerous Minds tells the story
of LouAnne Johnson, a divorced
ex-marine, who takes up a teaching
job in an inner-city high school.
Her students are a challenging
group with a reputation for driving
their teachers away, but LouAnne
employs some inventive techniques
to get their attention, and inspire
them to take an interest in their
education.
The Verdict: Dangerous Minds sets
out to inspire, but the film, directed
by John N. Smith, is quite middle-
of-the-road, follows an old movie formula, and is full
of clichés and stereotypes. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a
solid performance as LouAnne, who, despite being
unable to connect with the students who initially
throw abuse at her, is able to adapt quite quickly to
their educational needs. Bribing them with sweets
and funfair trips, using Bob Dylan lyrics to introduce
her class to poetry, LouAnne slowly manages to
garner some attention. The film is mostly about
LouAnne's increasingly personal connections with
her students which occasionally
border the unprofessional. She takes
her students to dinner, lends them
money, and allows one of them to
stay at her house. Her class of misfits
and outcasts include the pregnant
and incredibly bright Callie, and
Emilio, the rebellious class leader.
Though Dangerous Minds is filled
with good-teacher clichés, and
follows a plot-line we've seen time
and time again, it is an entertaining
watch, with some really touching
scenes. Michelle Pfeiffer is engaging,
and she works well against her
supporting cast.
An Inspirational Film Because: Dangerous Minds
is an uplifting, positive tale that encourages the idea
of finding liberation through education. Though
LouAnne is not able to help all of her students, as
Emilio finds himself in more trouble than he can dig
his way out of, she does inspire them to try harder.
Though some of LouAnne's teaching tactics are
realistically implausible, Dangerous Minds inspires
viewers to take charge, and reminds us that we always
have a choice.
Dangerous Minds
In-spirational Film Of The Month
Words by Leighan Renaud @tinkslele
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